Hello Readers!
This is a very spontaneous post. I decided it was time for some outside input, and therefore thought to interview another Olah Chadasha. And so, without further ado, let's talk with Maya!
When did you make Aliyah? The end of August, 2014. (One year and 9 mos. ago)
How old where you when you made Aliyah? Almost 17yo.
Did you want to make Aliyah? Absolutely not.
How did you feel when you received the decision that you would be moving? Upset and in denial up until the flight, which I spent most of crying.
What was it like in the way beginning after arriving? Stepping off the plane? I kept hoping it was a nightmare and that I would wake up soon.
What did you do when you got to Israel? Got my luggage and then into a taxi.
I meant more generally, like in the first half year or so. What did you do then? Wept a lot, and then did an Ulpan , and adjusted to the climate, and food, and culture.
How are the climate, food, and culture different? Than in America?
No, in France you dweeb. Yes than in America! The food here is more flavorful and pungent than American food. I've adjusted to Israeli food now, but I still miss American food. Oh, La Victoria!
Climate? I love the climate here when it's sunny out. I was always cold in America. Because I'm cold-hearted :P Sweat stains are the new fashion.
Culture? Culture? Still not adjusted fully. Probably never will be. I feel strongly Russian at heart...stam stam (JK JK).
Can you explain what exactly you still haven't adjusted to in the culture? Israel is a country that eats its own inhabitants. What I mean by that, is that an Israeli soldier was put in jail for shooting a terrorist trying to kill him. People say Israel is really warm and family-like, and when I hear that, I think of a caring and loving family. But what I realized is that when people say "like a family" they didn't specify "warm" and "loving;" just "family." Some families are dysfunctional. I have met some phenomenal people here, and some horrid.
What did you do after Ulpan? Until now. After Ulpan until last summer I worked on finishing my high school and babysitting to raise money to visit America. Since last September, I have been doing National Service by working in a preschool with some of the kindest people in the world, as well as helping families in the afternoons.
What was it like during your visit in America? How did it affect you and how you felt about the Aliyah decision? It was amazing. I enjoyed every day there. When I moved to Israel, I thought basically that America had disappeared forever and that there was no going back. I knew theoretically that it still existed, but I didn't feel that way. I think it really strengthened me to see that life had continued after I left. When I came back to Israel I felt renewed and like a new person.
What is it like to do National Service as a new immigrant? It's okay. I chose to do National Service in a gated community of over 600 families. It's easier I think because it's smaller and I'm not overwhelmed by city life. The community was actually started by immigrants. I have found that people in childcare have lots of patience to listen to all my mistakes in Hebrew. When I started working in the community they gave me an adoptive family, and that has also really helped me because whenever I am confused by something in the culture or have forms to fill out, I have a loving adoptive mother to help me.
How do you feel now about Aliyah nearly two years later? Any different? Yeah. I have much more positive feelings for it now and don't regret it. Well...I still have those days. *Blush*
What positive feelings? Please explain. I feel freer to be a Jew here, and currently I'm a little drunk on independence. It's a normal thing to hitchhike here, so I get around ;) I have also have made some great friends for life that have helped me change my view of Israelis.
Can you pinpoint when your feelings started to change towards Aliyah? Yes, when I returned from my visit to America. I realized this isn't the final destination, it's just a stop on the way of life.
So do you intend to return to America? Or are you here forever? We'll see who I marry. I'm not opposed either way.
Do you have any advice for new immigrants? What has helped you? Don't compare yourself to Other immigrants, everyone grows and changes at their own pace. What has really helped me is making good friends.
What's the worst experience you've had here? Whoa, hard to pinpoint just one. Probably when I was returning home one week before a holiday, and was standing in line to board the bus when I was lifted off my feet and thrust forward by the sheer mass of people shoving to board the bus. It brought to mind things I have heard about the Holocaust and being herded onto trains.
What's the best experience you've had here? I've had some good ones, and one that comes to mind easily is when we went on The Party Boat on the Kinneret with my mom and sisters.
What do you find the most endearing about Israelis? That if they are poor, they are generous.
What do you find the most annoying about Israelis? Their impatience and hot tempers (because of the heat).
Do you consider yourself Israeli or American or both? Haven't we been over this? I'm Russian. :P :P Unfortunately I think I am half and half, but I try to connect more to my American side and hope to remain that way.
Why? There is something special about Americans. Maybe because we know we're better than everyone?
To be annoying like all Israelis, dare we ask "how is your Hebrew?" Definitely improved since when I first got here. I feel comfortable to leave my house now and go out. I still don't like events all in Hebrew though. But overall, I would say I understand day-to-day Hebrew and can speak when not under pressure.
Anything else you would like to share with us? Yes. Most people think I am negative about making Aliyah, but I would recommend it to other people, and I have come to terms with it and am happy with my family's decision.
And a big thank you to Maya! Shabbat Shalom everyone and be well. :)
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